FAFO is bringing 180 artists from all over the country to exhibit their beautiful pieces in downtown Ocala. Artists compete for $22,000 worth of Award money presented to the winners which are selected by two prestigious judges.

Each year, fallen firefighters from around the state are remembered at the State Fire College north of Ocala. The night before, a parade and gathering are held at the Public Square in downtown Ocala. Here are some scenes from that event.

The area continues to recover from the effects from Hurricane Irma, which had lost its clout by the time it reached our area.

All surrounding weather stations report a lack of hurricane force winds in the area. However, the statistics for wind at the Ocala station could not be found, and it appears that the wind reports are not available.

Gainesville reported wind gusts to 61, and The Villages at 54. No tornadoes were reported in the area.

Due to the current projected path of Hurricane Irma, Marion County Emergency Management officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for those living in mobile homes and modular-type homes within Marion County. Emergency Management officials urge those living in these type homes to be evacuated by 8 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 9.

There is an INCORRECT list of public school shelters that is going around right now. Below is the list of schools that will be available as shelters starting today at 5pm. If any of that information changes we will post it to our Facebook. Please see the shelters listed below, at this time they are the ONLY ones that will be open.

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners declared a state of local emergency on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in anticipation of the potential for severe weather resulting from Hurricane Irma’s approach toward the Sunshine State. This local state of emergency is issued under the provisions provided by Florida Statutes and follows Gov. Rick Scott’s declaration for all 67 counties in Florida on Labor Day.